Miles
14-09-2003, 04:55 AM
Europe via ComputerWire : Hutchison 3G UK Holdings Ltd has locked down the new Motorola-built smart phone for its "3" service, seemingly in an effort to **** the device being used for nefarious purposes. However, the plan denies users of the device access to applications written for the similar Symbian-based handset from Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB.
Symbian Ltd confirmed to last week that the A920 featured a "closed" version of its operating system, but 3 has only just confirmed what this means in practice. A spokesperson for the operator told ComputerWire that the device was being treated as a "walled garden" with users only able to install 3-approved applications on the device.
By doing so, Hutchison is preventing users and developers from taking advantage of the basic similarities between the A920 and Sony Ericsson's established P800. With both phones using the same fundamental systems software - Symbian OS v7.0 and the UIQ pen-based interface - the A920 could have come to market with a host of ready-made third-party applications. Symbian confirmed that P800 applications should, in theory, work with the A920.
Hutchison's stance, while potentially irritating to users and developers, has some basis in common sense. The A920 is one of the most sophisticated mobile devices yet brought to market, combining the Symbian OS, high-speed 3G access and assisted global positioning system in one package.
More http://www.cbronline.com/cbrnews/1c426eef41d1e4df80256d960018c2b1
Symbian Ltd confirmed to last week that the A920 featured a "closed" version of its operating system, but 3 has only just confirmed what this means in practice. A spokesperson for the operator told ComputerWire that the device was being treated as a "walled garden" with users only able to install 3-approved applications on the device.
By doing so, Hutchison is preventing users and developers from taking advantage of the basic similarities between the A920 and Sony Ericsson's established P800. With both phones using the same fundamental systems software - Symbian OS v7.0 and the UIQ pen-based interface - the A920 could have come to market with a host of ready-made third-party applications. Symbian confirmed that P800 applications should, in theory, work with the A920.
Hutchison's stance, while potentially irritating to users and developers, has some basis in common sense. The A920 is one of the most sophisticated mobile devices yet brought to market, combining the Symbian OS, high-speed 3G access and assisted global positioning system in one package.
More http://www.cbronline.com/cbrnews/1c426eef41d1e4df80256d960018c2b1